Another year, another set of Walgreens exclusives! Last year we got a yellow-suited first appearance Daredevil and Eric O’Grady Ant-Man. This year we have two more exclusive figures with Namor and then a Jim Lee Punisher coming in the Fall! Before we get the review started, I do have a bit of a confession to make. I didn’t buy this at Walgreens. I understand, I should be ashamed. But I got antsy. Obviously, Hasbro found international distribution for this figure because it’s been in every country but the United States since about two months back. I’ve been eyeing the secondary market and Namor finally reached the point where importing was close enough to retail price that I bit.

I would have bought it at Walgreens! I’ll probably purchase another anyway whenever they actually do show up since that box is quite striking and unique with the “Namor” logo.

An update to the Sub-Mariner was long overdue. He was part of the second Toybiz Marvel Legends wave all the way back in 2002. That figure is still decent enough, but like most Toybiz figures the aesthetic just doesn’t hold up anymore. Hasbro also took a shot at Namor in their Fantastic Four Ronan build-a-figure series. They chose to do the often requested “green speedo” version of the character. Unfortunately this was before Hasbro really “got it,” so it was under-scaled, lacking in paint, and articulation.

Namor comes packaged in what appears to be his own “Namor” themed box. However, turn it over and he’s officially part of the Giant Man Civil War wave, but does not include any parts for the build-a-figure. He comes packaged with an alternate set of hands and a trident. The trident is pretty large for him, but that is because it’s a recolor of the build-a-figure Odin’s staff from last year. The hand options are either open with the ability to hold things or straight out slapping hands. The wrist joints have great range, so I was able to get a little creative with those “slap hands.”

This release is a more current look for the character. He’s afforded quite a bit of new tooling. They did the proper thing and sculpted a new chest for his shirt and collar instead of just painting over skin and calling it a day. The paint detail is really sharp and clean for the scaled lining of his costume. One thing that does stand out visually with Namor is that his arms do look a bit too large for his slender upper body. I mentally write it off as a guy who spends most his life swimming would probably have long, jacked up arms, so I’m okay with it.

Namor is a great addition to the Walgreens exclusive collective. I love the other figures we’ve gotten, but Namor is probably the highest profile (and most in need of a redo) figure they have done yet. He’s slick looking and has an absolutely killer head sculpt. Once he arrives domestically I’d suggest tracking him down as soon as possible. If you don’t live in the United States, you have quite a few options.

I really hope Walgreens has some fantastic plans for Marvel Legends next year! Maybe we’ll get some news next month during San Diego Comic Convention. And bring on that Jim Lee Punisher already! You know, because there isn’t like $500 worth of Marvel Legends coming out in the next month to keep me busy enough.